Top Rankings
Lake Preston School District 38-3 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)
Student Attention
Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 188 students in Lake Preston School District 38-3. This district's average testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public schools in South Dakota.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools in Lake Preston School District 38-3 have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 51% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
3 Schools
734 Schools
# Students
188 Students
146,041 Students
# Teachers
22 Teachers
10,645 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Lake Preston School District 38-3, which is ranked within the top 20% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#16 out of 148 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥80%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.19
0.53
% American Indian
3%
14%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
2%
8%
% Black
n/a
3%
% White
90%
67%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $19,324 is higher than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $16,457 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$3 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$19,324
$13,121
Spending / Student
$16,457
$12,623
Best Lake Preston School District 38-3 ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lake Preston Elementary - 02
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4464
Gr: PK-5 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Lake Preston High School - 01
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4455
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4455
Gr: 9-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Lake Preston Middle School - 03
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 1st St Ne
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4455
Lake Preston, SD 57249
(605) 847-4455
Gr: 6-8 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Lake Preston School District 38-3?
Lake Preston School District 38-3 manages 3 public schools serving 188 students.
What is the rank of Lake Preston School District 38-3?
Lake Preston School District 38-3 is ranked #20 out of 146 school districts in South Dakota (top 20%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of South Dakota school districts for: Highest overall rank (Top 20%), Highest math proficiency (Top 20%), Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%), Highest science proficiency (Top 5%) and Lowest student-teacher ratio (Top 1%)
What is the racial composition of students in Lake Preston School District 38-3?
90% of Lake Preston School District 38-3 students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Lake Preston School District 38-3?
Lake Preston School District 38-3 has a student/teacher ratio of 9:1, which is lower than the South Dakota state average of 14:1.
What is Lake Preston School District 38-3's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $16,457 is higher than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
